It is the Year of Our Lord 1628. We are in
the prince-bishopric of Bergstein, where reigns his grace, Count and
Bishop Clement Augustus von und zu Hohensitz.

You are Poldi Breschfeld, a simple
peasant. You live with your brother on your small farm which you inherited from your parents.
He is far away, visiting your cousin who lives in the distant town of Merkhalle.